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Career Development

Career development and professional practice skills are critical for designers and an integral part of School of Design curricula.

Communications design students take the course Portfolio & Practice in their senior year, which covers career planning and portfolio preparation for the designer. (The communications design faculty presents senior portfolios to industry professionals each spring at SU’s Lubin House in New York City.) You may also wish to consider a minor in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, which is offered through SU's Martin J. Whitman School of Management and includes coursework in essential business tools.

Visiting and resident designers and scholars are a wealth of professional knowledge, and you will have the opportunity to interact with them throughout your Syracuse education. In addition to the numerous events in the School of Design, your class requirements will include three semesters of Design Symposium, where you will meet working professionals from various design fields.

You can apply the skills you learn in the studio and classroom in professional settings by voluntarily participating in an internship, which refines technical proficiency, develops professional confidence, and bridges the gap between college and the professional world.

SU’s Career Services can serve as a resource for you. From your first day on campus to your graduation (and beyond), Career Services is here to help you with all things related to your career. This includes finding internships and securing them for academic credit, crafting resumes and cover letters, connecting with alumni and employers, applying to graduate school, and more.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

When you designate your gift to Syracuse University for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, you make a real difference in the lives of faculty and students. Your donation helps us continue our pursuit of excellence in the arts.